Srinagar, Dec 20 (KNS): National Conference senior leader and parliamentarian from south Kashmir, Hasnain Masoodi on Monday said that the delimitation commission asked them to put forth their objections and recommendations regarding the draft prepared by the commission by December 31.

Talking to Kashmir News Service (KNS) from New Delhi, Masoodi said that the commission members said that they have prepared the draft based on 2011 census, to which NC members objected and based on those objections, the commission asked them to put forth their objections and recommendations before them by December 31.

He said that they informed the commission that their is already a Supreme Court ruling regarding delimitation and if the commission prepares the draft based on 2011 census, it would unconstitutional. 

“As per 2011 census, there is a status quo, which also states that assembly seats should be enhanced in Kashmir only. If commission goes against it, then this will be unconstitutional and based on 2011 census 6 seats cannot be increased in Jammu only, which is a cause of concern,” he said.

Masoodi said that, however, the commission chairperson assured them that delimitation exercise will be carried out as per the Supreme Court ruling.

He said that they also informed the commission that this whole exercise is unconstitutional because its against the Supreme Court ruling. 

Masoodi also said that the commission also informed them that STs would be given 9 seats, but they did not specify the places and areas, where and to whom these 9 seats will be given. 

He said that all three members of parliament of NC participated in the meeting today at New Delhi. (KNS)